The 49ers have a long to-do list this offseason. Making sure Trent Williams stays in Santa Clara must be one of their top priorities if they want to be contenders again in 2021.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Thursday morning that the Williams and the 49ers had "extensive discussions" on a contract extension last week. But the two sides couldn't come to an agreement.
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Williams, 32, now is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers acquired Williams from Washington during the 2020 NFL Draft for a fifth-round 2020 pick and a third-round pick in the 2021 draft. He was exactly what the 49ers hoped for and more.
In his first season with the 49ers, Williams played in 14 games after missing the entire year last season in Washington. He made his eighth straight Pro Bowl and was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded offensive tackle with a 91.9 grade.
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The 49ers have a question to answer at quarterback with Jimmy Garoppolo, but keeping their QB protected of course is a top priority as well. Williams is the cream of the crop at his position, and general manager John Lynch and Co. must do what it takes to keep the star left tackle a 49er for years to come.
